Review: Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser

Product Information: (from http://www.dermalogica.com/):
An extremely gentle cleansing gel/cream that can either be rinsed off or gently removed with tissue or The Sponge Cloth. Helps combat skin sensitivity caused by exposure to pollution, harsh climate, irritating cosmetic products and other environmental influences. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Review:
This cleanser is very calming on my skin. When I am having eczema or other skin sensitivity, this cleanser does not sting and actually helps lower the discomfort caused by the eczema.

I particularly like Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser because Cetaphil Cleanser started to sting my skin and cause redness whenever I cleanse my face. I usually double cleanse as I have sunscreen on my face.  On my first wash with Cetaphil, my skin would feel a slight sting and would usually not feel clean. But the second wash would cause a lot more stinging and redness. This would worsen when I am having eczema. There is no such stinging or redness with Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, which is why I think this is a better cleanser for sensitive skin. (Please note that all skin types are different, so even if you have sensitive and eczema-prone skin like mine, you might have a different experience from mine.)

The Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser does not foam and I was not used to non-foaming cleansers initially. I felt as though my skin was not clean after cleansing. But I got used to it and my skin did not feel dried out after cleansing. In fact, it felt comfortably moist, which is a feeling that will not happen when cleansers are too harsh for your skin (your skin will usually feel very tight and dry).  So it is good that my skin feels moist after cleansing as keeping moisture in the skin helps keep skin sensitivity low and prevents eczema as well. The cleanser is good for those with dry skin as well. 

It is a plus that this cleanser has no harsh ingredients, like fragrances or alcohol, which lowers the risk for sensitivity. The gel/cream texture is also easy to use and does not have any drag when making cleansing motions around the face.

In general, I am enjoying the Dermalogica UltraCalming range of products (except the UltraCalming Relief Masque, which stings badly!) I will continue reviewing the other products in the UltraCalming range soon :)

Review: Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair

Product Information: (credit: dermalogica.com)

Help fortify sensitized skin and a damaged barrier with this velvety, anhydrous (waterless) moisturizer. Use after toning to help shield against environmental and internal triggers that cause skin stress. Contains our exclusive UltraCalmingTM Complex to interrupt inflammatory triggers that lead to sensitization, while helping to minimize discomfort, burning and itching. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

Review:

I was previously using Avene Skin Recovery Cream but noticed that my eczema problems returned and so I decided to try out the Dermalogica UltraCalming range of products after it was recommended to me by my beautician. I started with the Dermalogica UltraCalming trial kit then purchased the full sized products and have been using the Dermalogica Ultracalming range since. I am finishing my second tube of Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair now and intend to purchase another tube of this soon.

I really like the Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair because I noticed that my eczema breakouts are less frequent and when applied over sensitized spots, the Barrier Repair does not cause any stinging or redness. In fact I find that Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair is quite soothing, helps calm the skin and because it is a silicone-based moisturiser, it helps seal moisture in my skin and forms a barrier over my eczema spots so they heal faster and do not occur as frequently as before. 

I have not experienced any breakouts from this moisturiser. I find it moisturises better than the water-based Avene Skin Recovery Cream. I also like the silicone texture as it glides on very smoothly and my sunblock adheres well to my skin in the mornings. 

I would recommend this moisturiser for those with highly sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin types. I am currently using the UltraCalming Mist and Serum Concentrate with the Barrier Repair and I think these three products have been working well for my skin. I will definitely repurchase!

Skincare-holic's 2010 Favourites List

2010 is coming to an end and I thought I'd do up a Favourites List like the one I did for 2009! I looked through the reviews I did in 2010 and rounded up the few I really liked.


Best 2010 Cleanser: Hada Labo AHA/BHA Tamagohada Exfoliating Face Wash Foam

This Hada Labo cleanser doesn't exfoliate well but it cleanses well enough. I like that it is self-foaming and convenient to use. It removes dirt and oil without making my skin feel dry or tight. I used to like Fancl Washing Powder a lot and this cleanser is a good competitor as it doesn't require a foaming ball nor do I have to worry about expiry dates.




Best 2010 Lotion: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

This lotion helped improve my skin texture. I could see that my dehydrated skin was more plumped up. It comes in a big bottle and each usage only requires a small amount, so it lasts a long time. 



Best 2010 Moisturizer: La Mer Creme de La Mer

This was the only cream I could use when I had patches of dermatitis on my face. It may be rich but if you control the amount you use it will not clog pores (I first press the creme into my cheek area before using the remaining on the t-zone). I like that it is quite soothing, even when my skin was sensitive and would react to most other products. I felt my skin become smoother with usage.


Best 2010 Hydrating Mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

I used to like Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Relief but Clinique did not work well when my skin was very dehydrated and sensitive. It caused redness and stinging. Laneige, however, worked really well and helped restore my skin to normal. I don't experience any clogged pores even when I apply a thick layer. I wake up the next day with hydrated skin.

Best 2010 Clay Mask: BeautyDIY Dead Sea Mud Mask

I think this dead sea mud mask is cheap yet good. Its main purpose is to suck out dirt and excess oil from the pores so I don't need an expensive mask with wonderful ingredients and this mask does just that. As the mask dries, I can see spots of oil where pimple or blackheads are at, which shows it really works. It contains tea tree oil, which helps dry out and heal pimples. It is good to follow up with a hydrating mask to replenish moisture. 

Best 2010 Eye Mask: The Face Shop Raspberry Slim & Lift Collagen Eye Patch

I almost forgot that I really liked this eye mask until I looked through my 2010 reviews again. It is a bit pricey but it works nicely to hydrate and plump up my under eye area. After using this mask, the jelly-like mask becomes thinner, which shows the essence has been absorbed by the skin. I think I will be purchasing some more soon. 

Best 2010 Face Spray/Sensitive Skin Product: Avene Thermal Spring Water

I have been using this for a few years now and I always re-stock whenever there is the 2 for S$29.90 promotion. The Avene Thermal Spring Water soothes my sensitive skin really well and I even use it as an eye mask at times - by saturating a cotton pad with the spring water then tearing it into half and using it as a normal eye mask. It is cooling on the skin and reduces my redness effectively. It also helps when skincare products are too thick/sticky, I spray this over my face and try to massage the products in again. 

**This is all for my favourites list this year. It is too bad I didn't find a favourite sunscreen. I have been looking but haven't found one that I like yet. 

Do comment with recommendations of skincare products you like and find works well! I would like to try more skincare in 2011 =)

Skincare-holic's 2009 Favourites List

2009 is coming to an end and I thought it would be good to round up the year with my all-time favourites list. I love trying out new skincare products so unless I particularly love the product, I will not purchase it again. So the products in this list are products that I have purchased twice or more, I think work nicely for my skin, and is worth it's price

1. Fancl Washing Powder

This washing powder creates dense foam that effectively cleanses my skin without stripping it of its moisture. I do not experience any tight feeling after cleansing with the Fancl Washing Powder. When use with the Facial Washing Puff, my skin is left clean with lesser blaskheads. No other cleanser can achieve these results for my skin.

2. Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil

Double cleansing is an important component of my skincare regime. I have used countless bottles of Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil as it removes all of my makeup thoroughly and effortlessly, even my waterproof mascara. It emulsifies easily and does not leave any oily residue behind. Although I am currently using Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, the Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil is still my preferred choice.

3. Fancl Sunguard 30

The Fancl Sunguard has SPF30 PA+++ so it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays sufficiently. I like its light texture and how it is easily blended into my skin.

4. Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Extended Thirst Relief

I always buy the Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Extended Thirst Relief whenever I have the opportunity to travel. I buy it at the Changi Airport DFS because it comes in the set above which includes the Moisture Surge Eye Gel and I find that it is quite a good deal. The Clinique Moisture Surge Extra is what I always use whenever my skin feels dry and what I always bring along onto the plane where the air is very dry. It combats change in humidity and any weather changes effectively. It always keeps my skin moisturised for a long period of time. I use this in thick layers without any fear of milia seeds and I use this around my eye area as well.

5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

I like this moisturiser as it is a basic moisturiser that serves the purpose of keeping my skin moisturised. It does not leave any sticky feeling and absorbs readily. I use this whenever I am suffering from any breakouts as I feel this does not further aggravate my skin condition and does its job of moisturising well.

6. Kose Sekkisei Lotion

I have used 3 bottles of Kose Sekkisei Lotion. I like it as a lotion mask and how moisturising it is for my skin. Although the whitening benefits of the Lotion are not that obvious, the Sekkisei Herbal Esthetic Mask makes up for it. These two Sekkisei products are good but the rest of the Sekkisei line are disappointing.


7. Trilogy Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil has wonderful anti-oxidants and skin regenerative properties. I turn to Trilogy's Rosehip Oil for additional moisture boost when my skin feels dry. Trilogy Rose Hip Oil absorbs easily without clogging my pores and does not leave any oily residue on my skin. I am including this because I was quite crazy over Rosehip Oil products at the beginning of 2009, but the Trilogy range of products (cleansers, toner, moisturisers, masks) disappointed me so I might try other products after this.



To end off my post, below are products I will always avoid.

- Biobeauty Advanced Hydrating Eye Freshening Gel HA玻尿酸清新眼凝露
This caused my eye area a severe allergic reaction which made my skin red, inflamed, swollen and hurt as though I got burnt.

- Henry Tianus.
I bought this after reading raves on Cozycot and because it was a natural product. But the Overnight Skin Perfector caused me acne problems that I have not experienced in years.